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NATION: Army has done its best to



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      Army has done its best to
      stop border raids

      In reference to the article ''Awkward
      questions on the Thai-Burmese border''
      (The Nation, April 5), the Royal Thai Army
      would like to clarify certain points raised by
      the writer which could cause
      misunderstanding among members of the
      public. 

      In the article, writer Thana Poopat
      suggested that the Thai military knew what
      was going on along the Thai-Burmese
      border but had failed to prevent cross
      border incursions by the Democratic Karen
      Buddhist Army troops. One of the questions
      raised in the article was whether the Thai
      Army has the will or determination to stop
      the cross-border raids on Karen refugee
      camps on Thai territory. 

      The army insists that it has consistently
      performed its duty to the best of its ability to
      protect Thailand's sovereignty and has
      taken steps to prevent future incursions.
      Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai in his
      capacity as defence minister, the supreme
      commander as well as the army
      commander-in-chief, has on several
      occasions made public statements on the
      national defence policy, particularly the
      border incursions. 

      The army appreciates press commentaries
      on the border situation, including The
      Nation's article. In handling border
      incidences, which are sensitive matters that
      could have great implications on relations
      between Thailand and neighbouring
      countries, the army's actions may, at times,
      appear to be reacting too slowly to the
      problem in today's world characterised by
      the free flow of information. 

      The army insists that all army officers and
      troops are fully committed to protecting the
      country's sovereignty under the motto: ''The
      nation, the religion, the monarchy and the
      people, above all else''. 

      Maj Gen Pongthep Thetprateep 

      Secretary of the Royal Thai Army 

      Bangkok